🍝 Vegan Baked Ziti

Comfort-food classic—cheesy, saucy, and 100% plant-based

Serves: 4–6
Time: ~45 minutes

🧄 Ingredients

• 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped (for meaty texture)

• 1 cup lentils (cooked) or vegan ground (optional but great)

• 3 cups marinara sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Vegan Ricotta Layer

• 1½ cups firm tofu, pressed

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 2–4 tbsp plant milk (for blending)

Cheesy Topping

• 1½ cups shredded vegan mozzarella
  or homemade cashew cheese

🍳 Instructions

1. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make sauce: Heat oil, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic, mushrooms, and cook until moisture evaporates.

3. Stir in lentils (if using), marinara, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt & pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.

4. Blend ricotta ingredients until creamy but slightly textured.

5. Assemble:

   • Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.

   • Add half the pasta, half the ricotta, and half the sauce.

   • Repeat layers and finish with vegan mozzarella.

6. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly.

7. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

🌿 Serving Ideas

• Fresh basil or parsley on top

• Side salad or garlic bread

• Sprinkle of chili oil or vegan parmesan